Marni Mae and Kady Mae Need Shelter and Warmth for the Winter

We need funding for a much needed, fully-functioning van to live in; no water leaking in during the rain, hopefully with a working heater, wipers, door latches, windows, etc. We need to have shelter and warmth before the rain and cold overtake us. We're in CA where we are expecting a huge rainfall, (El Nino), and we totally NEED the water...but NOT in my car, please!

Hello, I'm a 64 year old, disabled, homeless lady with my 9 year old lab, Kady Mae. We've been living in our car for the last 1.5 years after becoming homeless in 2014. Never in a million years did I ever think I would be homeless, having always worked and owned my own homes.

However, when the recession hit in 2008, my personal "perfect storm" hit, and it hit hard! I became extremely ill and had to go on medical treatments that left me weak and bedridden for over a year. At the same time, I lost my daughter's child support, spousal support and my Kaiser medical insurance.

Suddenly, I was no longer able to work, and I ended up losing my beautiful home. But I was able to hold onto it for a couple of years longer until I finally realized the end was imminent. With more sadness than I could have ever imagined, I walked away from everything with just my dog and a few belongings.

Unable to work at all due to my medical issues; spinal condition (which I am still having surgeries to correct), arthritis, chronic pain most of my adulthood, fibromyalgia and an aneurysm on my aorta, I was forced to go on Disability SSI. I'm so thankful for that, but only receiving $877.40 per month makes it impossible to live any kind of normal life. I've been on every "low income housing list" there is, but no luck so far.

Kady Mae and I live in an old dilapidated van that has no heat/AC, wipers, leaks with the smallest amount of rain, doors that don't lock, constantly breaking down in unfortunate areas, and I can't drive it over 45 miles per hour, which makes it very difficult to get to various soup kitchens, doctor appointments, etc. I doubt it will make it another week. With the funds, my goal is to buy an excellent working, used van that I can convert into a livable space with bed, curtains, storage, etc. With this better van, I will be able to drive on the freeway, get to my doctor appointments, search for places to live, and hopefully stay warm and dry. Then I will continue to pray for housing!

This will be our second winter to go through as homeless beings, but as I'm getting older, sicker (just had surgery on my spine), skinnier (88 lbs. today), colder, stiffer and hungrier... I'm not sure I'll make it through another winter. And I have my beloved dog to take care of, so I can't leave the Earth just yet. PLEASE HELP!!!

I know there are thousands of people, senior citizens and families that are homeless. I try to help them whenever I can, but so much more needs to be done.

I thank all you wonderful people who do help people like me! BLESS YOU!!

Kindest regards,

Marni Mae and Kady Mae

PS Prayers and kind thoughts from all religions, faiths and beliefs are always welcome!!!!! Today I will stand on the street holding a sign (a well written sign, I might add!) asking for help with food and gas. So if you see me and my dog, Kady Mae, standing on some freeway entrance, please stop by and say hi... We'd love to meet you!!!